"Hah..."
In the hallway bustling with staff, Yan Huan idly tossed the USB drive Bai Yi had given him into the air and caught it again.
His pants pocket, once bulky with Bluetooth earbuds, was now deflated. Where the earbuds had gone was anyone’s guess.
From the stage outside, a booming, penetrating voice rang out:
"Everyone, please welcome the renowned dancer, Christina!"
Yan Huan glanced at a promotional poster in the hallway. Bai Yi’s name followed immediately after Christina’s.
Time was running out.
"Meow-chan."
He strode quickly toward a certain direction backstage, his face calm. He called out in his mind.
"Meow~"
On his shoulder, a pair of green eyes flickered open in the darkness.
A closer look revealed a fluffy black cat wearing a yellow scarf. It meowed softly, signaling that the task was done.
Yan Huan didn’t turn his head but suddenly tossed the USB drive toward it.
"Meow!"
Meow-chan caught the USB drive in its mouth, its tail swishing playfully against Yan Huan’s shoulder.
Yan Huan stopped by the side of a door labeled:
"Media Room," "Staff Only."
Inside, a staff member held a walkie-talkie and spoke:
"BGM is ready. Over."
"Roger that. The next guest doesn’t need BGM, so you can take a break."
The staff member took a sip of coffee, glancing at the guest list where Bai Yi’s name stood out.
"Got it."
Leaning against the door, Yan Huan waited. The black cat on his shoulder vanished completely. Hearing the exchange inside, Yan Huan knocked gently on the door.
"Knock, knock..."
"Who is it?"
The staff member turned toward the door, only to see a handsome young man holding a phone.
"Excuse me," Yan Huan called out, "I’m the assistant for Naina Ichihara, one of the later guests. We’d like to request a change to her background music for the stage."
"Change the BGM?"
The staff member frowned, setting down his coffee.
"Why didn’t you say this before the rehearsal? Everything’s already scheduled. No way. Go back and tell your artist it can’t be done."
Smiling, Yan Huan raised his phone.
"We’ve already cleared it with the Golden Lion management. How about this—I’ll call them, and you can discuss it with them?"
The staff member hesitated, scratching his head before reluctantly standing up and heading to the door.
The unfinished coffee and a set of keys remained on the table behind him.
"Even if you’ve talked to them, I still need authorization from the performance lead. Without it, I can’t take responsibility—"
"Just take the call first."
"Fine, fine. But I’m telling you, my answer won’t change."
The staff member stepped out of the room, grumbling.
The moment he left, a shadowy black cat materialized on the door handle, its tail curling around the lock.
"Bang!"
The media room door slammed shut with a heavy thud.
"What the—?!"
The staff member spun around in shock, his face paling as he tried the handle.
"Click, click!"
The door was locked.
"What’s going on?!"
His face twisted in frustration as he glared at Yan Huan, who was standing nearby with an innocent expression.
"Hey, man... I never even stepped inside. How’s this my fault?"
The staff member froze mid-anger.
He’s right. This guy never entered the room. But then how did the door slam shut and lock itself...?
There was no wind here—how the hell did this happen?
Unfortunately, there was no time to figure it out.
The audio equipment inside was critical for syncing with the scheduled performances. Thankfully, the next guest, Bai Yi, had a seven-and-a-half-minute segment that didn’t require BGM. But if he couldn’t get the door open in time for the following performance, it would be a serious mishap.
Sweat beaded on the staff member’s forehead as he muttered angrily, glaring at Yan Huan.
"This is all your fault! There are security cameras in the hallway. If something goes wrong, you and your artist will be held accountable!"
Yan Huan simply smiled.
"Alright."
His calm response seemed to choke the staff member, who sputtered angrily before running off to find someone with the keys.
Yan Huan watched him disappear down the corridor, his smile never wavering as he turned his gaze back to the locked media room door.
Inside the room, Meow-chan held the USB drive in its mouth as it hopped onto the desk.
It nudged the drive into the computer’s USB port.
"Ding!"
"Meow?"
Tilting its head, the cat observed the screen, confirming the connection. Then, with a deft leap onto the desk, it tapped the mouse with its paw, opening the USB drive.
Dragging a file onto the desktop, it ensured everything was ready before removing the USB drive with its teeth.
Moments later, the shadowy Meow-chan reappeared on Yan Huan’s shoulder outside the media room, holding the USB drive triumphantly.
"Meow~"
Yan Huan stroked the cat’s soft head.
"Meow-chan, being able to appear anywhere within 15 meters of me really comes in handy."
"Meow~"
Purring happily, the cat seemed to revel in the praise, its confidence restored.
Yan Huan glanced at the time on his phone.
He was more aware of the schedule than most of the staff. Christina’s dance was almost over, meaning Bai Yi would be on stage in just a few minutes.
As he moved toward the stage, he opened Plane and typed out a message to Bai Yi:
"Bai Yi, do you have Bluetooth earbuds connected to your phone? If not, there’s a pair on the table by the stairs. You can use mine."
Meow-chan vanished once again, reappearing in the backstage hallway.
On one side of the wall stood Yan Huan, illuminated by his phone screen, his striking features bathed in light.
On the other side of the wall, Bai Yi clutched her chest, her phone lighting up the dim hallway.
She glanced at the earbuds Yan Huan mentioned, exhaustion evident in her every movement. Slowly, she leaned against the wall, as if sharing a back-to-back moment with Yan Huan on the other side.
Neither of them knew.
Only the black cat observed the scene from both sides, letting out a soft meow that Bai Yi couldn’t hear.
"Meow~"
It watched as Bai Yi took Yan Huan’s earbuds, placing them in her pocket. Then, it crossed through the wall, rejoining Yan Huan on his shoulder.
"Now, let’s welcome Linmen’s most popular rising idol—Miss Bai Yi!"
The voice from the stage cut through the moment.
"Meow~"
"Bai Yi, you’re on!" came the staff member’s call from backstage.
Yan Huan closed his phone, smiling faintly as he stepped away from the wall.
On the other side, Bai Yi lifted her pale face, her expression still troubled.
They left the wall at the same time, heading in opposite directions—one toward the dazzling stage lights, the other into the shadows of the backstage corridor.
"Buzz..."
Two parallel worlds seemed to diverge, separated by an impenetrable barrier.
Onstage, the stunning idol stood like a blade’s edge, every gaze from the audience a black hole threatening to consume her.
Backstage, the graceful young man moved lightly through the shadows, his phone suddenly lighting up.
He tapped the screen, selecting Plane.
Call Bai Yi.
"Ring... ring..."
The glow of the phone screen pierced the darkness, like a beacon, a knife, a glimmer of hope.
When the call rang through, it was as if a doorbell sounded in Bai Yi’s isolated world.
"Ping-ping~"
Onstage, Bai Yi, drenched in cold sweat, flinched.
Her trembling fingers rose to her ear, touching the earbud.
Why is he calling me?
She didn’t know.
But whatever the reason, it had to be better than what she was facing now.
When Bai Yi’s trembling fingers touched the earbud to answer the call, the wall that separated their two worlds finally vanished.
"Yan... Yan Huan..."
With her microphone off and her gaze unfocused, Bai Yi barely understood what she was doing—answering a phone call in the middle of the stage.
But she was drowning in despair. She felt like she would die if this continued.
Anything, even an accident, even a breach of protocol, was a lifeline to her now.
"Shh, Bai Yi..."
On the other end of the call, the boy’s voice was warm and soothing.
Under the noise-canceling effect of the earbuds, the world seemed to consist of his voice alone.
"Don’t forget, you’re on stage right now."
"..."
Bai Yi froze slightly, regaining a fragment of clarity. She instinctively took the microphone handed to her by the host.
Relieved to see her finally responding, the host exhaled with visible relief.
But her relief was premature.
In Bai Yi’s ear, Yan Huan’s voice continued, calm and steady.
"Actually, Bai Yi, the earbuds weren’t just to help you with your nerves. I also prepared a surprise for you."
A surprise?
What surprise?
Backstage, Yan Huan watched the staff scrambling around the locked media room. His lips curled into a faint smile.
Inside the empty media room, a black cat loomed like a divine entity.
It raised its paw and pressed the mouse button.
"Buzz!"
Suddenly, the main hall fell silent, as if drowned in static from the speakers.
Then, unexpectedly, a beat dropped.
"Boom, boom, boom!"
On stage, the host, who was about to ask a question, froze, wide-eyed. She turned to Bai Yi, who also looked stunned, her pupils shrinking slightly.
Wait...
This isn’t how the rehearsal went!
In the audience, Jiang Xiong glanced at Zuo Jiangqin in confusion.
Zuo Jiangqin stood abruptly, her face darkening, ready to lash out, only to have Jiang Xiong place a firm hand on hers to stop her.
Backstage, the director shouted frantically into his walkie-talkie, his face pale. But the media room remained empty, the frantic voices outside the locked door echoing in vain.
"Yan Huan, you’re... you’re insane..."
Bai Yi recognized it. It was the intro to her new song.
The explosive drumbeat was soon joined by an electrifying melody, sweeping across the audience like a storm.
Heads turned, conversations stopped, and phones were lowered as the crowd’s attention fixed on the stage.
Under the weight of so many gazes, Bai Yi almost bolted from the stage.
Her lips quivered, and she was about to speak when Yan Huan’s amused voice came through the earbuds again.
"Hmm. I don’t mean to sound pushy, but since we’ve come this far, you have two choices: seize this opportunity and sing your new song with all your heart, or let my actions turn into a full-blown stage disaster."
"You—do you even realize the consequences of this? I..."
"I’ll take responsibility."
Bai Yi’s breath caught. On the other end, Yan Huan’s voice was unwavering.
"I know what I’m doing. This wasn’t impulsive or reckless.
"It’s just because you want to sing, Bai Yi.
"And it’s because your new song is truly beautiful."
Seconds passed, and the intoxicating intro reached its midpoint.
Clutching the microphone, Bai Yi felt her grip tightening with every word he said.
"Don’t worry about forgetting the lyrics or feeling nervous. I’ll stay on the line and read the lyrics to you if needed.
"The decision is yours, Bai Yi."
Me?
Her hand trembled.
Then, in the next moment, she flipped on the microphone switch.
A decision had been made.
The host beside her turned even paler, as if silently praying for divine intervention.
"Everyone!"
Bai Yi clenched her teeth, her eyes shut tightly.
In the brief moment before the verse began, she addressed the audience:
"I’m Bai Yi, here as a guest at the Linmen Gaming Expo. Today, I’m bringing you a song I wrote myself. I hope you like it!"
The audience didn’t yet grasp the depth of the song’s significance. For many, it was their first time hearing of Bai Yi.
But music is a universal language. As the rhythm and melody filled the air, the crowd instinctively connected with the radiant girl on stage.
"Whoooa!"
Backstage, listening to Bai Yi’s announcement, Yan Huan smiled faintly. Speaking softly into the phone, he added:
"And earlier, when you said I shouldn’t see you as an idol... I disagree.
"Someone who can write such an outstanding song, sincerely apologize for their inner darkness, and now courageously sing their heart out...
"How could I not admire you?"
Bai Yi’s eyes grew misty as she gazed at the audience.
The disapproving look she had imagined on her mother’s face dissolved, replaced by the genuine expressions of those who were curious, enthusiastic, and supportive.
In the warmth of their attention, bolstered by Yan Huan’s voice in her ear, Bai Yi felt a surge of strength.
Her mother’s gaze still lingered, scrutinizing her every move.
But
he
was watching too.
No matter what, this song had to be finished.
"Alright, Bai Yi, here we go. One, two, three!"
The vibrant intro that had captivated Yan Huan now held the audience spellbound.
As the verse began, Bai Yi inhaled deeply, her voice emerging in sync with Yan Huan’s quiet guidance:
"Do certain words bring tears to your eyes?"
"Do you ever feel foolish, unable to express yourself?"
"Wanting to be your own idol, not bound by anything..."
Her initial delivery was shaky, unpolished.
But gripping the microphone like a sailor clinging to the mast in a storm, she persevered through the swirling chaos around her.
"This is madness..."
Zuo Jiangqin’s face was ashen, her grip on the chair turning her knuckles white.
Jiang Xiong, however, focused on Bai Yi, watching her stiff, puppet-like posture gradually transform into something alive and powerful.
The directors backstage frowned as they approached the pair.
"Mrs. Zuo, Mr. Jiang, we spoke with Bai Yi’s manager, and they claim no prior knowledge of this arrangement. Could you explain?"
Zuo Jiangqin’s face blanched further at the sight of the Golden Lion Group insignias on their uniforms. She forced a smile, fumbling for an excuse.
"Well, we didn’t exactly..."
Before she could continue, Jiang Xiong gently pressed her back into her seat, removing his glasses and addressing the directors calmly.
"Apologies for the disruption. We authorized Bai Yi to make this last-minute change. If there are any penalties, we’ll take responsibility."
Zuo Jiangqin opened her mouth to object but fell silent under Jiang Xiong’s firm grip on her shoulder.
The directors hesitated, their frowns softening as the music swelled.
The melody, lively and captivating, perfectly matched the youthful energy of the expo.
Even cosplayers paused their photoshoots, and visitors from other halls gravitated toward the stage, drawn by the song.
With phones and glowing support sticks raised high, the audience swelled to capacity, completely enthralled.
The directors exchanged glances before one of them relented.
"Let’s discuss this afterward. For now, let it continue."
"Thank you."
Jiang Xiong replaced his glasses and gave a courteous wave.
"You... Why would you do that?" Zuo Jiangqin muttered angrily.
"Would it change anything to argue now?" Jiang Xiong sighed, his gaze fixed on Bai Yi.
"If the song were terrible and her performance disastrous, I’d be just as upset as you.
"But look around. Look at Bai Yi.
"Everyone loves her song, her energy, her dedication. Have you ever seen her like this at any event before?
"Be honest, Jiangqin—does this look like the careless girl you always complain about?"
Zuo Jiangqin faltered, her lips pressing tightly together.
"Still, she should’ve told me first."
"Didn’t she? Hasn’t she always told you she wanted to sing?"
"I..."
Jiang Xiong chuckled softly, glancing at Bai Yi with a hint of pride.
"Maybe the process lacked foresight, but the outcome isn’t so bad, is it?
"Discipline is necessary, but punishment isn’t. She’s come this far—shouldn’t we stand by her now, Jiangqin?"
Zuo Jiangqin said nothing, her gaze returning to the stage.
Beneath the dazzling lights, the girl who once hesitated and stumbled had transformed.
This was her passion, her life’s work. Her music, her lyrics, her arrangements—all of it poured into this moment.
As she sang, her natural talent took over, carrying her where training could not.
With every turn of her head, her voice soared. With every movement of her lips, breathtaking melodies emerged.
By the end of the second chorus, the audience was completely engrossed, their cheers rising with the beat.
An electric guitar solo erupted, reigniting the waning energy of the crowd.
It was like a volcano on the brink of eruption, a darkness poised to break into dawn.
Breathing heavily after several minutes of giving her all, Bai Yi found herself utterly absorbed in the performance. The ticking of the pocket watch had faded away, and Yan Huan's voice in her ear was gone.
Puzzled, she tilted her head to listen more closely to the earbud and realized that at some point, Yan Huan had hung up the call.
"Hah... hah..."
The sudden absence of his reassuring presence left her with an inexplicable longing to reconnect with him.
Her gaze instinctively scanned the crowd below, searching for his familiar figure.
But the sea of faces in the densely packed audience offered no clues. She had no idea where the handsome young man might be.
Yet, his voice still echoed in her mind. His face lingered vividly in her thoughts.
Looking at the bright, eager faces staring up at her, Bai Yi felt a newfound lightness in her chest.
Her expression softened. Placing a hand over her heart, she bowed her head slightly during the electric guitar interlude, then spoke:
"This song... was written for a fan I've known for a very, very long time."
"Ooohhh!!"
The crowd erupted with excitement, buzzing with curiosity and intrigue.
The gaming expo had transformed into a concert-like atmosphere, charged with energy.
"I used to envy him—his excellence, his charm...
"But I never expected that the very person I disliked and envied would give me direction and strength when I was lost."
Bai Yi ran a hand through her hair, evoking gasps of admiration from the audience. She looked like a muse descended from the heavens.
"He calls himself my fan, but in truth, haven’t I always been his fan as well?
"So, to thank him, to apologize to him—whatever the reason—this song is for him!
"Thank you. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me!
"And now, for the final part—this song, ‘Fan A,’ I hope you can hear it!"
Her radiant figure and powerful voice captivated the audience, though she never mentioned the fan’s name. Everyone felt the deep emotion carried through her performance.
As the song reached its final chorus and peak, the electric guitar paused for a moment before transitioning into a higher key, heightening the climactic atmosphere.
Under the spotlight, Bai Yi circled the stage, waving to the crowd. Her vibrant presence ignited the audience, who waved back in sync with her movements.
"Fan A, is your heart surging with feelings, afraid they'll amount to nothing?"
Below the stage, Ying Gong Tong stared at Bai Yi, lost in thought.
Beside her, You Anlina screamed hysterically, grabbing random strangers to shout,
"She’s from our school!! Waaaah! She’s amazing!!"
Aixi Li, trying to feign composure, was dragged into the chaos as You Anlina wiped her tears on her sleeve, leaving her utterly mortified.
"Fan A, is your dream eternal, only to discover it's fleeting?"
At the edge of the venue, Yaqiao Mu crouched on the ground, glasses removed.
He tried to look toward the stage but couldn’t see clearly through his tear-filled eyes.
All he could picture was Shijo Ai’s cruel smile from earlier, and the memory made him cry even harder.
"Fan A, are you confused and hesitant, fearing a future that remains hazy?"
Meanwhile, Spencer lay on a stretcher in the venue, her unfocused gaze fixed on the ceiling.
She clutched a black bag tightly to her chest, surrounded by Golden Lion staff and medics preparing to take her out.
At the periphery, An Le, deeply worried about Spencer, was momentarily drawn by the music. She glanced back toward the stage, hesitating.
She bit her lip, her cheeks flushing as she stared at her chat history with Xiao Huan on her phone.
"Fan A, when you can't meet others' expectations, you can only be yourself."
On stage, Bai Yi returned to the center as the melody reached its apex, fully igniting the expo’s atmosphere.
The accompaniment ended at its climactic height, like fireworks bursting into vivid colors before vanishing into darkness.
The venue fell silent, the audience utterly captivated by Bai Yi’s vibrant, life-filled voice.
Amid the quiet, the beautiful girl swept her starry eyes over the crowd before fixing her gaze on a specific direction.
Lowering the microphone to her side, she spun it slightly in her left hand and used her right hand to form the shape of a finger gun, aiming forward.
At the song’s conclusion, under the collective gaze of the audience, Bai Yi shouted:
"Thank you, Fan A!!"
Her finger-gun gesture carried her heartfelt emotions outward, through the applauding VIP seats and the glowing support sticks waving above the crowd.
It shot through the electric cheers and fiery energy, reaching the bright venue entrance where it reflected in the jade-like green eyes of a black cat.
The black cat sat gracefully at the door, watching the breathtaking girl on stage.
It tilted its head and adorably spoke,
"Meow~"
"Meow-chan."
From the entrance bathed in sunlight, a familiar voice called. The black cat turned, its tail curling playfully.
With a quick bound, it leapt onto the shoulder of a young man whose back was turned to the stage.
Nuzzling his face, the cat seemed to carry the girl’s feelings to him.
As if hearing her call, the young man turned slightly, revealing his striking profile as he glanced toward the stage.
From afar, the girl radiated youthful energy under the spotlight, her vitality impossible to ignore.
The young man smiled faintly, murmuring as if to himself:
"Fan A, huh..."
In the next moment, he vanished into the sunlight outside the venue.
"Whoooa!!"
"BAI YI!! BAI YI!!"
The venue erupted in cheers and applause, the audience’s adoration echoing in the wake of her unforgettable performance.